Commercial Property Lawyers in Johannesburg
Commercial property agreements must work for the investment and the business using the premises. Hugh Raichlin Attorneys advises on commercial acquisitions, disposals, leases and related disputes, with particular attention to owners, landlords and property businesses.
Brief initial telephone discussion at no charge. A paid consultation is arranged where appropriate. Attorney follow-up is ordinarily within one working day.
This page is for you if…
- You are buying or selling commercial property.
- You need a new lease, renewal, amendment or independent review.
- A tenant, broker or transaction counterparty is in dispute with you.
- The property is held through a company, trust or estate.
How Hugh Raichlin Attorneys can help
Transactions and due diligence
We assist with agreement preparation and review, conditions, transaction authority and legal due diligence. Specialist tax, technical or planning advice may need to form part of the wider team.
Lease drafting and negotiation
A clear lease should address the premises, use, rent, escalation, deposits/security, maintenance, improvements, defaults and exit arrangements. What happens at renewal or termination is as important as the initial term.
Disputes and enforcement
We advise on breaches, notices, arrears, occupation, broker commission and appropriate remedies. Negotiation, mediation or litigation may be appropriate depending on the documents and the objective.
What to consider before deciding
Do not assume a standard residential form is suitable
Commercial premises can raise different operational, security, tenant-installation and reinstatement issues. A copied form may leave costs or permissions unclear.
Structure and tax need coordination
The identity of the parties, VAT or transfer-duty treatment, financing and transaction structure affect the legal work. Confirm the specialist advice required rather than assuming one generic exemption applies.
Evidence matters in commission disputes
A broker's entitlement depends on the mandate, the agreed trigger and the facts. It is not settled solely by which agent first mentioned the property.
The commercial property lifecycle
Investigate
Due diligence, title and authority checks.
Agree
Negotiate and prepare the agreement.
Transfer / occupy
Complete transfer and take occupation.
Manage
Administer the lease and the relationship.
Resolve / exit
Address disputes or end the arrangement.
Not every client requires all five stages. The work depends on the transaction and the issue.
The next steps
- 1Define the transaction or dispute and commercial objective.
- 2Review the documents, authority and required due diligence.
- 3Negotiate or prepare the appropriate agreement or legal step.
- 4Manage completion, registration or dispute implementation.
Information to prepare
Current agreements and offers; title/lease details; company/trust authority; broker mandates; notices; financial terms; intended use; material due-diligence information.
Common mistakes to avoid
Keep written records of amendments, check signing authority, avoid assuming a lease authorises every intended use and do not terminate or exclude an occupier without advice.
Relevant experience for your matter
HRA has acted for listed property funds. Hugh acted for the successful respondent in Nach Investments v Knight Frank, concerning an estate agent's commission and effective cause of sale.
Hugh Raichlin
Principal Attorney & Accredited Mediator
BA, LLB · University of the Witwatersrand
Hugh Raichlin is the founder and principal attorney of HRA, established in 1993. He brings 40 years of legal experience, with a practice spanning commercial litigation, property disputes, family and divorce matters, estates and mediation.
View Hugh's profile
Abigail Sher
Attorney, Notary & Conveyancer
LLB · University of South Africa
Abigail Sher is an attorney, notary and conveyancer at HRA. She assists with residential and commercial property transfers, notarial work, antenuptial contracts and deceased estates.
View Abigail's profileFrequently asked questions
Can you review a commercial lease before I sign?
Yes. We can assess the key obligations, risk allocation and areas that require clarification.
Do you act for landlords?
Yes. Owners, landlords and managing agents are a priority audience. Instructions remain subject to suitability and conflict checks.
Is mediation an option for a lease dispute?
It may be, depending on the dispute and any contractual process. It does not automatically suspend deadlines.
Can you handle the conveyancing element?
The firm has conveyancing capability. The transaction and any separate lender appointments must be assessed.
Related services
Useful sources
Put the legal issue in its commercial context.
Explain the transaction, lease or dispute, and the firm will assess the next step and the documents required.
What happens next?
Start with a brief telephone discussion so the firm can understand your matter and decide whether it may assist. That initial discussion is free. Where appropriate, a paid consultation is arranged, usually in person; remote arrangements may be considered.
You can begin through our AI-assisted WhatsApp enquiry service at any time. It gathers initial information and does not provide legal advice. Suitable prospective clients ordinarily receive an attorney call within one working day. A message does not confirm an appointment, acceptance of a matter or action on a deadline.
Speak to Hugh Raichlin Attorneys
Visit us by arrangement at 1 The Avenue, Norwood, Johannesburg 2192. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 08:30–17:00. New enquiries and WhatsApp: 011 010 8336. Email: reception@raichlin.co.za. Existing clients should use 011 483 1527.
Website information is general and is not legal advice. Every matter depends on its facts. Please send sensitive documents only when requested through an appropriate channel.
This website provides general information, not legal advice. Sending an enquiry does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship. Each matter is assessed on its own facts.